Andalucia & Morocco Exploration

Meet the group at 8:30am at the designated point for departure from selected hotels in Madrid (please check your documents for exact details). We then travel south through the plains of La Mancha, famously associated with Don Quixote. After a short stop in Puerto Lápice, we cross the natural boundary of Despeñaperros and enter Andalusia, a region rich in historical heritage. Upon arrival in Córdoba, we explore the remarkable mosque and other key sites, followed by a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, we continue with a two-hour drive to Seville, where we stay overnight.

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a panoramic morning tour of Seville. Admire the exterior of the city’s grand cathedral, the second largest Catholic cathedral after St Peter’s in Rome. We then explore the Santa Cruz quarter, a charming neighbourhood known as the setting for the opera Carmen and linked to the legend of Don Juan. Later, visit the tranquil Maria Luisa Park and the impressive Plaza de España. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure—perhaps discovering unique viewpoints or sampling the local flavours of this vibrant city. Dinner and overnight stay are at the hotel in Seville.

After breakfast, we travel south, passing through a series of charming traditional villages before arriving in Ronda. Here, you will have some free time to explore this town of Celtic origin and take in the stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, we continue to the Costa del Sol, a vibrant and modern coastal region renowned for its international appeal. Overnight accommodation is arranged on the Costa del Sol.

After breakfast, we drive along the scenic Costa del Sol to Algeciras or Tarifa, where a ferry awaits to take us across the Strait of Gibraltar to North Africa. Upon arrival in Morocco, we clear customs and continue by coach through Larache to Fez, the most monumental of the Imperial Cities. Fez is home to the University of al-Karaouine, the world’s oldest continually operating university and one of the largest Islamic sanctuaries in Morocco. We conclude the day with dinner at the hotel and an overnight stay in Fez.

After breakfast, we explore Fes, Morocco’s oldest and most monumental Imperial City. Our tour includes the seven gates of the Royal Palace, the historic Jewish Quarter known as the Mellah, and the impressive Bab Bou Jelous gate. We then wander through the bustling, labyrinthine streets of the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon is yours to continue discovering this remarkable city at your own pace. Dinner and overnight stay are at the hotel.

After breakfast, we travel to Rabat, Morocco’s diplomatic and administrative capital. Here, we visit the exterior of the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, and the Hassan Tower. Continuing south, we drive through the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, the vibrant capital of the south, nestled in a vast oasis between the mountains and the pre-desert region. Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel and enjoy dinner. Overnight in Marrakech.

After breakfast, we explore the vibrant city of Marrakech on a guided sightseeing tour. You will admire the Koutoubia Tower, a landmark closely resembling Seville’s Giralda, and visit the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk through the medina, where you can wander the bustling souks and experience the lively atmosphere of Jema El Fna Square—an open-air theatre filled with fortune tellers, snake charmers, acrobats and dancers. Don’t forget your camera to capture these unique scenes. Later, return to the hotel for some free time to relax at your own pace. Overnight in Marrakech.

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy a full day at your leisure to further explore Marrakech at your own pace. This is an ideal opportunity to revisit favourite spots, discover hidden corners, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the city. In the evening, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, we transfer to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and its economic and industrial hub. Upon arrival, we take a panoramic tour to see some of the city’s key sights, including the exterior of the impressive Hassan II Mosque, Boulevard de la Corniche, United Nations Square, and the distinctive Habbous and Anfa neighbourhoods. The day concludes with dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Casablanca.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the pier to board the ferry back across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain. Upon arrival, we retrace our route along the stunning Costa del Sol, returning to the hotel for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, we depart for Granada, renowned for its remarkable historical heritage as the final stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms until 1492. Upon arrival, we visit the famous Generalife Gardens, celebrated for their beauty and tranquillity, which inspired writers such as Washington Irving in his "Tales of the Alhambra." Overnight in Granada.

After breakfast, we travel north to the striking city of Toledo, known as the Imperial City of Castile. Perched above the Tagus River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once home to Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities, reflecting a rich blend of Spanish art, history and spirituality. We take a guided tour through its narrow, atmospheric streets, exploring key landmarks and soaking in the city’s unique character. The visit concludes with a stop at a renowned workshop specialising in damascening – the intricate art of inlaying gold and silver into iron. Afterwards, we continue on to Madrid, where the tour comes to an end. Breakfast is included.